All who follow the Armand Gamache series by Canadian author, Louise Penny, know that Louise’s husband died in the Fall of 2016. Michael had been the inspiration for Armand Gamache as well as her devoted partner and supporter — her great love. After his death, Louise told her agents and publishers she was taking a year off but believed in her heart that the multi-book series had come to an end. She could not write about Gamache again.

She begins the acknowledgments page of Kingdom of the Blind (released in November, 2018), as follows:

   “A funny thing happened on my way to not writing this book. / I started writing.”

She then explains how, a few months after her decision, she found herself sitting at her pine writing table with her laptop open:

     “And I wrote two words: Armand Gamache
     Then the next day I wrote: slowed his car to a crawl
     And the next day: then stopped on the snow-covered secondary road.”

I love the way she told this part of her story.

I now find myself stuck as I write my second in the series which began with Other Wise. I’m slogging through and know that a lot of what I’ve written so far will end up in a file of failed attempts. Following a wonderful flurry of readings, sales, and book group discussions for Other Wise, I’m in a brief lull. And some life events around me have me looking down the slippery slope that leads to overwhelm and depression.

So I look to Louise. And to Anne Lamott. And to Rumi. And to all the wise teachers who sit on my desk, their colorful spines a standing array of encouragement.

And so I trust story as a way through. Louise’s story. Armand’s story. My story. Margaret’s story. And I honor the notion of the shitty first draft. And I welcome each new arrival to this guest house of being human — “even if they are a crowd of sorrows.” And even if they aren’t here to clear me out for “some new delight.”

And I start writing. Taking it word by word.

 

 

On the acknowledgements page of my novel, Other Wise, I’ve included a thank you to the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance (MWPA). Specifically, I’ve thanked them for conferences, workshops, and community (the last being the most important to me), but they offer so much more.

The yearly membership fee for MWPA is minimal and well worth it. (You can even pay more than the minimum if you have the means! Community is always about contributing to the welfare of the whole, after all.) And for that fee, the benefits are countless — some too elusive to articulate.

Even though I’m not a crime or mystery writer, I attend the annual Maine Crime Wave conference when possible and always come away filled up and inspired. There’s nothing like being in the company of those who “speak the same language” for a day of workshops and panel discussions to keep the words and juices flowing. Back at my desk alone, I’m companioned by those I’ve met but briefly — buoyed by their encouragement and example.

And as for the many and varied workshops? …  I only wish I could attend them all. Fine writers abound in Maine and they generously offer their expertise and wisdom to any who reserve a spot. From the economy of flash fiction to the enormity of keeping the often unwieldy elements of a novel in line, there are workshops to address all needs. From day-long sessions to continuing courses and off-the-grid (or wall) retreats, MWPA has offerings for everyone.

In addition to the quality of the presenters, I’ve found a fascinating synergy to the group that shows up on any given day. No matter the topic. No matter the extent of individual participation. There is value to simply being there in the mix.

From social media groups to regional Gathers, MWPA is engaged and engaging. There’s a monthly platform for announcing newly published books (Ex Libris Maine), a listing of Maine authors with photos and bios,  http://find.mainewriters.org , and much much more.

Membership requires as much or as little involvement as you desire. I highly recommend that you consider joining this or another reputable organization of your choice. You won’t regret it.

It’s MWPA for ME. What’s calling to you so you don’t have to go it alone?

 

http://find.mainewriters.org/writers/mary_lou_bagley

 

NOTE: This is an older post I’m resurfacing for you. Why? Because I just signed up for a retreat on the Pemaquid Peninsula with Jodi Paloni in May.

After a brief inner debate about money and timing, my writer-self screamed, “Do it! It’s exactly what you need.”

When synchronicity is at play, I’ve learned to pay attention. When the right circumstance comes along, I’ve learned to leap.

I’ve experienced a Jodi Paloni workshop through the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance in the past. For me, the retreat descriptions that rose to my attention on her site –  http://www.jodipaloni.com  – made my soul sing. For you, the universe may have something very different in mind. When it dances along the periphery and lands in your sight line, consider leaping.

Right now, as I draw within for my January hibernation, I dream of my emergence in May. A lovely B&B. A gathering of writers by the ocean. A gifted & generous facilitator. Time to write and renew.

What are you dreaming  … ?

BEGIN OLDER POST(October 18, 2012):

Ahhhhhhhhh.

I just had to do that. I just had to take that moment to savor and sigh. I just returned from a writers’ retreat by the ocean.

I feel rested. I feel reflective. I feel restored. I feel like writing.

I can’t say enough about the benefits of retreats and workshops and this particular one included both. Offered by Anne Hollingworth of “Mermaid Retreats” in Maine, it featured an afternoon workshop with Rebecca Rule and lots of space and time to write.

My intention for this blog post was another subject entirely. But, the fruits of this weekend’s deliciousness just had to be shared.

I had a friend who always bristled when I suggested a writing workshop or retreat. She would say, “I already know how to write. Why would I waste time and money being told how to write?” To me that’s a sad example of closing yourself off to possibility and to community. The workshops and retreats I’ve attended have never tried to tell me how to write. But I’ve always come away writing.

Workshops, whether day-long or offered in a series, can be invaluable as motivators and energizers. Before I left for the weekend retreat, I spent the morning at a poetry workshop (the first in a monthly series) with Kimberly Cloutier-Green. I came away enriched and enlivened and ready to call myself “Poet.” Attending a poetry workshop was way outside my comfort zone and that’s why I went. I highly recommend such pushing of the boundaries that can limit us as writers and creatives.

Offerings abound. You’ll find some right in your own backyard. Prices vary and there are even retreats that are free for qualified retreatants.

Of course, I suggest doing a little homework in advance, especially when it comes to retreats. Consider the recommendations of people or organizations you know or respect. Read participant comments/reviews. Ask questions. What’s the facilitator/teacher’s philosophy? Is it compatible with yours? Because sharing our work or testing out our voice can be a fragile business, a responsible facilitator will create an atmosphere of safety conducive to mutual trust.

Meditate on the rightness of it for you. Trust your instincts. Then go for it!